Military Sealift Command Prepositioning Ship Aground Off Japan

The Military Sealift Command prepositioning vessel USNS Sgt. Matej Kocak (T-AK 3005) ran aground Thursday off the East Coast of Okinawa, Japan at approximately 11:30 a.m., the U.S. Navy reports.

The vessel remains grounded approximately 6 nautical miles off the coast of Uruma, Okinawa.

The U.S. Navy says it is working closely with Japanese authorities to assess the situation and determine the best course of action to refloat the vessel. Tugs are on scene stabilizing the vessel and assessing the situation. No leaks from the hull have been found and no damage to the surrounding area has been reported.

There are currently 38 civilian crew members, along with 67 Army and 26 USMC personnel aboard. None are injured and the crew is currently still on board the ship.